Scots Fall to Sheldon, 60-51

McKay faces Westview in consolation game Friday.

Salem-News.com SPORTS

EUGENE - Things looked good very early for the McKay Royal Scots in their opening game of the 6A Boys basketball tournament at Mac Court in Eugene.

Star point guard Greg Plater scored, was fouled, and completed a three point play to give the Scots the early 3-0 lead over Sheldon of Eugene.

It was the last time that the Scots were on top in the contest, as the taller Irish took advantage of their size with strong inside play, and forced 18 McKay turnovers to win the quarterfinal matchup 60-51.

McKay never lost touch with Sheldon score-wise during the game, but could never regain the lead. The Irish led by as many as 14 points during the contest, and the Scots never got closer than one after a 17-12 Sheldon advantage at the end of the first quarter.

The Irish stretched their lead to 32-23 at halftime. McKay's Jordan Berrier and Greg Plater had 11 and 8 points each at halftime to counter the 26 combined points of Sheldon's Brent McKee (10), Mike Barclay (9), and Blake Poole (7).

McKay rallied in the third quarter, outscoring Sheldon 11-4 early to cut the deficit to 36-34 with 3 1/2 minutes left. Plater cut the deficit to 40-39 with 1:35 left in the period after making two of three free throws after being fouled by Barclay. The Irish edged the margin out to 44-41 heading into the fourth quarter.

The Irish started the fourth quarter quickly, scoring three baskets within the first minute to extend the lead to 50-41 with 7:15 left in the game.

McKay, in the meantime, couldn't buy a basket, going scoreless until Izell Guajardo hit a jumper with 4:05 left to reduce the lead to 50-43.

But Sheldon matched the Scots bucket for bucket the rest of the game to advance to the second round Friday evening against Lake Oswego.

Barrier topped all McKay scorers with 22 points, and Plater added 18. Poole led four Sheldon players in double figures with 20 points.

McKay moves to the consolation round for a 9:00 AM game Friday against Westview of Beaverton. The Wildcats lost to Lake Oswego 60-33 in their quarterfinal matchup Friday afternoon.

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